JP2009111049A - Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device which is highly integrated at a low cost and which controls a deterioration in reliability, and its manufacturing method. <P>SOLUTION: A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device 100 has a plurality of memory strings MS in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series. The memory string MS comprises a memory pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 34 extending in a direction vertical to a semiconductor substrate Ba, a charge accumulation layer 36 which is formed via an air gap 35 from the memory pillar-shaped semiconductor layer 34 and accumulates charges, a block insulating layer 37 in contact with the charge accumulation layer 36, a plurality of first-fourth word line conductive layers 32a-32d in contact with the block insulating layer 37. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device capable of electrically rewriting data, and more particularly to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and a method for manufacturing the same among semiconductor memory devices.

  Conventionally, LSIs have been formed by integrating elements in a two-dimensional plane on a silicon substrate. In order to increase the storage capacity of the memory, the size of one element can only be reduced (miniaturized). However, in recent years, the miniaturization has become difficult in terms of cost and technology. For miniaturization, photolithography technology needs to be improved. For example, in the current ArF immersion exposure technology, the rule near 40 nm is the resolution limit, and for further miniaturization, EUV exposure is required. It is necessary to introduce a machine. However, the EUV exposure apparatus is expensive, and it is not realistic when considering the cost. Even if miniaturization is achieved, it is expected that physical limits such as breakdown voltage between elements will be reached unless the drive voltage is scaled. That is, there is a high possibility that operation as a device is difficult.

  In recent years, therefore, many semiconductor memory devices in which memory cells are arranged three-dimensionally have been proposed in order to increase the degree of memory integration (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  As one of conventional semiconductor memory devices in which memory cells are arranged three-dimensionally, there is a semiconductor memory device using an SGT (columnar) transistor (Patent Documents 1 to 3). In a semiconductor memory device using a transistor having an SGT (columnar) structure, a multi-layered polysilicon serving as a gate electrode and a pillar-shaped columnar semiconductor are provided. The columnar semiconductor functions as a channel (body) portion of the transistor. Around the columnar semiconductor, there are provided a plurality of charge storage layers that are provided via a tunnel insulating layer and store charges. Further, a block insulating layer is formed around the charge storage layer. A configuration including these polysilicon, columnar semiconductor, tunnel insulating layer, charge storage layer, and block insulating layer is called a memory string.

In the prior art, first, a columnar semiconductor is formed, and a tunnel insulating layer, a charge storage layer, a block insulating layer, and a gate electrode are sequentially formed around the columnar semiconductor. However, such a forming method has many manufacturing steps and is complicated.
JP 2003-078044 US Pat. No. 5,599,724 US Pat. No. 5,707,885

  The present invention provides a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device that is highly integrated at low cost and suppresses a decrease in reliability, and a method for manufacturing the same.

  A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory strings in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series. A first columnar semiconductor layer extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate; a charge accumulation layer formed from the first columnar semiconductor layer through a gap and accumulating charges; and a block insulating layer in contact with the charge accumulation layer; And a plurality of first conductive layers in contact with the block insulating layer.

  The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory strings in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series. Includes a first columnar semiconductor layer extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, a tunnel insulating layer in contact with the first columnar semiconductor layer, a charge storage layer in contact with the tunnel insulating layer and storing charges, and the charge The tunnel insulating layer includes a block insulating layer in contact with the storage layer and a plurality of first conductive layers in contact with the block insulating layer, and the tunnel insulating layer has a gap or a seam.

  A method for manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory strings in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series. A step of alternately laminating an interlayer insulating layer and a conductor layer; a step of forming a hole through the interlayer insulating layer and the conductor layer; and a first insulating layer sequentially from a side surface of the hole And a step of forming a charge storage layer, a sacrificial layer, and a columnar semiconductor layer, and a step of removing the sacrificial layer to form a gap between the columnar semiconductor layer and the charge storage layer. To do.

  The present invention can provide a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device that is highly integrated at low cost and suppresses a decrease in reliability, and a manufacturing method thereof.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of Nonvolatile Semiconductor Memory Device 100 according to First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment mainly includes a memory transistor region 12, a word line driving circuit 13, a source side selection gate line (SGS) driving circuit 14, and a drain side selection gate. A line (SGD) driving circuit 15 and a sense amplifier 16 are included. The memory transistor region 12 includes a memory transistor that stores data. The word line driving circuit 13 controls the voltage applied to the word line WL. The source side select gate line (SGS) drive circuit 14 controls the voltage applied to the source side select gate line SGS. The drain side select gate line (SGD) drive circuit 15 controls the voltage applied to the drain side select gate line (SGD). The sense amplifier 16 amplifies the potential read from the memory transistor. In addition to the above, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a bit line driving circuit that controls a voltage applied to the bit line BL and a source line driving circuit that controls a voltage applied to the source line SL ( (Not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment, the memory transistors constituting the memory transistor region 12 are formed by stacking a plurality of semiconductor layers. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the word lines WL in each layer extend two-dimensionally in a certain region. The word lines WL in each layer have a planar structure composed of the same layer, and have a plate-like planar structure.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a part of the memory transistor region 12 of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the memory transistor region 12 includes m × n memory strings MS (m and n are natural numbers) including memory transistors (MTr1mn to MTr4mn), a source side selection transistor SSTrmn, and a drain side selection transistor SDTrmn. Have. FIG. 2 shows an example of m = 3 and n = 4.

  The word lines (WL1 to WL4) connected to the gates of the memory transistors (MTr1mn to MTr4mn) of each memory string MS are formed of the same conductive film and are common to each other. That is, all the gates of the memory transistors MTr1mn of each memory string MS are connected to the word line WL1. Further, all the gates of the memory transistors MTr2mn of each memory string MS are connected to the word line WL2. Further, all the gates of the memory transistors MTr3mn of each memory string MS are connected to the word line WL3. Further, all the gates of the memory transistors MTr4mn of each memory string MS are connected to the word line WL4. In the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the word lines (WL1 to WL4) are two-dimensionally spread, and have a plate-like planar structure. Have. Further, the word lines (WL1 to WL4) are respectively disposed substantially perpendicular to the memory strings MS.

  Each memory string MS has a columnar columnar semiconductor CLmn (in the case of FIG. 2, m = 1 to 3, n = 1 to 4) on an n + region formed in the P-well region Ba1 of the semiconductor substrate Ba. is doing. Each columnar semiconductor CLmn is formed in the vertical direction from the semiconductor substrate Ba, and is arranged in a matrix on the surface of the semiconductor substrate Ba and the word lines (WL1 to WL4). That is, the memory strings MS are also arranged in a matrix in a plane perpendicular to the columnar semiconductor CLmn. The columnar semiconductor CLmn may be cylindrical or prismatic. The columnar semiconductor CLmn includes a columnar semiconductor having a stepped shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a rectangular plate-shaped drain-side selection gate line SGD that forms a drain-side selection transistor SDTrmn in contact with the columnar semiconductor CLmn via an insulating film (not shown) is disposed above the memory string MS. (In the case shown in FIG. 2, SGD1 to SGD4) are provided. Each drain-side selection gate line SGD is insulated and isolated from each other, and is formed in a stripe shape parallel to the semiconductor substrate Ba, unlike the word lines WL1 to WL4. In addition, a columnar semiconductor layer CLmn formed through the center is provided at the center in the width direction of the drain side select gate line SGD.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a source side select gate line SGS that constitutes a source side select transistor SSTrmn is provided below the memory strings MS and in contact with the columnar semiconductor CLmn via an insulating film (not shown). Yes. The source side select gate line SGS has a planar plate-like structure that spreads two-dimensionally like the word lines WL1 to WL4.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a circuit configuration constituted by the memory string MS in the first embodiment and its operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of one memory string MS in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the first embodiment, the memory string MS includes four memory transistors MTr1mn to MTr4mn, a source side selection transistor SSTrm, and a drain side selection transistor SDTrmn. The four memory cell transistors MTr1mn to MTr4mn, the source side select transistor SSTrmn, and the drain side select transistor SDTrmn are connected in series (see FIG. 3). In the memory string MS of the first embodiment, the columnar semiconductor CLmn is formed in the n + region formed in the P− type region (P-well region) Ba1 on the semiconductor substrate Ba.

  A source line SL (n + region formed in the P-well region Ba1 of the semiconductor substrate Ba) is connected to the source of the source side select transistor SSTrmn. A bit line BL is connected to the drain of the drain side select transistor SDTrmn.

  Each memory transistor Mtrmn has a columnar semiconductor CLmn, a charge storage layer formed so as to surround the columnar semiconductor CLmn, and a word line WL formed so as to surround the charge storage layer. An end portion in contact with the charge storage layer surrounded by the insulating film of the word line WL functions as the control gate electrode CG of the memory transistor Mtrmn. The source and drain of the memory transistor MTrmn are formed in the columnar semiconductor CLmn.

  In the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 having the above configuration, the voltages of the bit lines BL1 to BL3, the drain side selection gate line SGD, the word lines WL1 to WL4, the source side selection gate line SGS, and the source line SL are the bit line drive circuit. (Not shown), controlled by a drain side selection gate line driving circuit 15, a word line driving circuit 13, a source side selection gate line driving circuit 14, and a source line driving circuit (not shown). That is, data is read, written, and erased by controlling the charge in the charge storage layer of a predetermined memory transistor MTrmn.

(Specific Configuration of Memory String MS According to First Embodiment)
Next, a more specific configuration of the memory string MS will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional structure diagram of one memory string MS in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the memory cell string MS includes a source side select transistor layer 20, a memory transistor layer 30, and a drain side select transistor layer 40 from the lower layer to the upper layer. The source side select transistor layer 20 functions as the source side select transistor SSTrmn. The memory transistor layer 30 functions as the memory transistor Mtrmn. The drain side select transistor layer 40 functions as the drain side select transistor SDTrmn.

  The source side select transistor layer 20 includes a source side first insulating layer 21 formed on the semiconductor substrate Ba and a source side conductive layer (second conductive layer) 22 formed on the upper surface of the source side first insulating layer 21. And a source-side second insulating layer 23 formed on the upper surface of the source-side conductive layer 22. For example, the source side first insulating layer 21 and the source side second insulating layer 23 are made of silicon oxide. For example, the source side conductive layer 22 is made of polysilicon. Note that one end of the source-side conductive layer 22 functions as a control gate of the above-described source-side selection transistor SSTrmn.

  Further, the source side select transistor layer 20 has a source side hole 24 penetrating through the source side first insulating layer 21, the source side conductive layer 22, and the source side second insulating layer 23. A source side columnar semiconductor layer (second columnar semiconductor layer) 26 is provided in the source side hole 24 via a source side gate insulating layer 25. The source side gate insulating layer 25 is formed of HTO. The source side columnar semiconductor layer 26 is formed of amorphous silicon. HTO is a high-temperature oxide film TEOS.

  The memory transistor layer 30 is provided between the first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers 31a to 31e and the first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers 31a to 31e provided above the source-side second insulating layer 23. And first to fourth word line conductive layers (first conductive layers) 32a to 32d. For example, the first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers 31a to 31e are made of silicon oxide. For example, the first to fourth word line conductive layers 32a to 32d are made of polysilicon. The first to fourth word line conductive layers 31a to 31d function as the above-described word lines WL1 to WL4.

  The memory transistor layer 30 includes a memory hole 33 formed through the first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers 31a to 31e and the first to fourth wordline conductive layers 32a to 32d, and a memory hole 33. A memory columnar semiconductor layer (first columnar semiconductor layer) 34 formed therein is included. The memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 is formed of amorphous silicon.

  Furthermore, the memory transistor layer 30 includes a charge storage layer 36 that is formed from the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 via the gap 35 and stores charges, and a block insulating layer 37 that is in contact with the charge storage layer 36. The block insulating layer 37 is in contact with the first to fourth word line conductive layers 32a to 32d. The charge storage layer 36 is formed of silicon nitride (SiN). The block insulating layer 37 is formed of HTO. In addition, a sealing insulating layer 38 is formed on the memory transistor layer 30 and between the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 and the charge storage layer 36 so as to seal the upper part of the space formed by the gap 35. ing. The sealing insulating layer 38 is made of silicon oxide. The sealing insulating layer 38 is formed so that the upper surface thereof is substantially the same as the upper surface of the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34.

  The drain side select transistor layer 40 includes a drain side first insulating layer 41 formed on the fifth inter-wordline insulating layer 31e and a drain side conductive layer (second layer) formed on the upper surface of the drain side first insulating layer 41. A conductive layer) 42, a drain-side second insulating layer 43 formed on the top surface of the drain-side conductive layer 42, and an isolation insulating layer 44 formed on the top surface of the drain-side second insulating layer 43. The drain side first insulating layer 41 and the drain side second insulating layer 43 are formed of silicon oxide. The drain side conductive layer 42 is made of polysilicon. The isolation insulating layer 44 is made of silicon nitride. Note that one end of the drain side conductive layer 42 functions as a control gate of the drain side select transistor SDTrmn described above.

  The drain side select transistor layer 40 has a drain side hole 45 penetrating through the drain side first insulating layer 41, the drain side conductive layer 42, the drain side second insulating layer 43, and the isolation insulating layer 44. . A drain side columnar semiconductor layer (second columnar semiconductor layer) 47 is provided in the drain side hole 45 with a drain side gate insulating layer 46 interposed therebetween. The drain side gate insulating layer 46 is formed of HTO. The drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 is formed of amorphous silicon.

(Manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the first embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10, a process for manufacturing the memory string MS according to the first embodiment will be described. 5 to 10 omit a part of the first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers 31a to 31e and the first to fourth wordline conductive layers 32a to 32d.

First, the source side select transistor layer 20 is formed on the substrate Ba. Subsequently, amorphous silicon and a silicon oxide film are alternately and sequentially stacked on the source-side selection transistor layer 20 to form first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers (interlayer insulating layers) 31a to 31e, First to fourth word line conductive layers (conductive layers) 32a to 32d are formed. Next, a memory hole 33 is formed through the first to fifth inter-word line insulating layers 31a to 31e and the first to fourth word line conductive layers 32a to 32d. Thereafter, HTO, silicon nitride, and silicon germanium (SiGe) are sequentially stacked in the memory hole 33 to form a block insulating layer (first insulating layer) 37, a charge storage layer 36, and a sacrificial layer 39. Through the above steps, the state shown in FIG. 5 is obtained. For example, after depositing a 7 nm HTO film, defei anneal (for example, N ₂ , 800 ° C., 10 minutes) is performed to form a 5 nm silicon nitride layer and a 2 nm silicon germanium thin film.

  Next, reactive ion etching (RIE) is performed on the block insulating layer 37, the charge storage layer 36, and the sacrificial layer 39 located on the upper portion of the bottom surface of the memory hole 33 and the upper surface of the fifth inter-wordline insulating layer 31 e. And the state shown in FIG. 6 is obtained. Further, the natural oxide film formed on the upper surface of the source side columnar semiconductor layer 26 exposed on the bottom surface of the memory hole 33 is removed by hydrofluoric acid treatment.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, amorphous silicon is deposited in the memory hole 33 so as to be in contact with the side surface of the sacrificial layer 39, thereby forming the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the sacrificial layer 39 is removed by selective etching. Since the sacrificial layer 39 is silicon germanium, selective etching is performed in, for example, a ClF ₃ vapor atmosphere. In this process, the sacrificial layer 39 is removed by selective etching, whereby a hollow cylindrical gap (trench) 35 is formed between the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 and the block insulating layer 37.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, a silicon oxide film is formed by a process with poor embedding characteristics (coverage) (for example, plasma CVD or the like). By this process with poor embedding characteristics (coverage), the sealing insulating layer 38 is formed in the upper opening of the air gap 35 without the air gap 35 being filled with the silicon oxide film. In the formed silicon oxide film, the portion other than the sealing insulating layer 38 becomes the drain-side first insulating layer 41.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, polysilicon, silicon oxide, and silicon nitride are sequentially stacked on the drain side first insulating layer 41, and the drain side conductive layer 42, the drain side second insulating layer 43, and An isolation insulating layer 44 is formed.

  Subsequently, the isolation insulating layer 44, the drain side second insulating layer 43, the drain side conductive layer 42, and the drain side first insulating layer 41 are penetrated at a position aligned with the upper portion of the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34, and the drain side hole 45. Form. Then, a drain-side gate insulating layer 46 and a drain-side columnar semiconductor layer 47 are sequentially formed on the sidewall of the drain-side hole 45, and the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 similar to that in FIG. 4 is manufactured.

(Effect of Nonvolatile Semiconductor Memory Device 100 According to First Embodiment)
Next, effects of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment can be highly integrated as shown in the stacked structure. In addition, as described in the above manufacturing process, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 has predetermined layers for the memory transistors MTrmn and layers for the source side select transistor SSTrmn and the drain side select transistor SDTrmn regardless of the number of stacked layers. The number of lithography processes can be manufactured. That is, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Here, consider a case where the memory strings are formed by another manufacturing method different from the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the manufacturing method, a block insulating layer, a charge storage layer, and a tunnel insulating layer are sequentially deposited on the hole surface, and the tunnel insulating layer, the charge storage layer, and the block insulating layer on the bottom surface of the hole are removed, and the bottom surface of the hole is removed. It is conceivable to form a columnar semiconductor by removing the natural oxide film on the exposed semiconductor surface and then depositing polysilicon in the hole.

  However, in the case of the other manufacturing method described above, the tunnel insulating layer formed on the side wall of the hole is also removed by the hydrofluoric acid treatment used in the step of removing the natural oxide film on the semiconductor surface. Further, in the other manufacturing method described above, if the tunnel insulating layer is made of another material instead of an oxide film in order to solve the problem of hydrofluoric acid treatment, there is a risk of causing a charge trap to another material. That is, the problem of reducing reliability arises.

  In contrast, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the charge storage layer 36 formed from the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 via the gap 35. The air gap 35 has a predetermined dielectric constant and has the same function as a so-called tunnel insulating layer.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the hydrofluoric acid treatment is performed with the charge storage layer 36 protected by the sacrificial layer 39. Then, after the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 is formed, the sacrificial layer 39 is removed, and the gap 35 is formed. That is, in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device 100 according to the first embodiment, the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 and the source-side columnar semiconductor layer 26 are in contact with each other, and are not affected by the hydrofluoric acid treatment, and are not voids (similar to the tunnel insulating layer). 35), the charge storage layer 36, and the block insulating layer 37 can be formed with a predetermined thickness, and the reliability of charge traps on other materials produced by other manufacturing methods can be achieved. Deterioration can be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
(Specific Configuration of Memory String MS According to Second Embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a specific configuration of the memory string MS of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional structure diagram of one memory string MS in the second embodiment, and FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11A, the non-volatile semiconductor storage device according to the second embodiment includes a memory transistor layer 30A different from the first embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, identical symbols are assigned to configurations similar to those in the first embodiment and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in the memory transistor layer 30A of the memory string MS according to the second embodiment, a tunnel insulating layer 351 is formed in the gap 35. The tunnel insulating layer 351 is made of silicon oxide. As shown in FIG. 11B, the tunnel insulating layer 351 is formed so as to cover the side wall of the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 and the side wall and bottom of the charge storage layer 36, and has a gap 352. Further, the tunnel insulating layer 351 may be formed so as to fill the gap 352 and have a seam downward from the upper end thereof. Unlike the first embodiment, the sealing insulating layer 38 is not formed on the tunnel insulating layer 351.

  In other words, the tunnel insulating layer 351 is formed in contact with the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34, and the charge storage layer 36 is formed in contact with the tunnel insulating layer 351.

(Manufacturing process of memory strings MS according to the second embodiment)
Next, a manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the second embodiment will be described. In the manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the second embodiment, the same processes as those in FIGS. 5 to 8 of the first embodiment are performed. Following the step shown in FIG. 8, a step of forming a silicon oxide film by a process with good embedding characteristics (coverage) (for example, low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD)) is performed. By this step, a tunnel insulating layer (second insulating layer) 351 is formed in the gap 35.

  Then, after the tunnel insulating layer 351 is formed, the same processes as in FIGS. 9 and 10 are performed to manufacture the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device similar to that in FIG. 11A.

(Effects of Nonvolatile Semiconductor Memory Device According to Second Embodiment)
Similar to the first embodiment, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the second embodiment can be manufactured with a predetermined number of lithography processes regardless of the number of stacked layers, and the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device can be manufactured at low cost. Is possible.

  In the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the second embodiment, the gap 35 is formed as in the first embodiment, and then the tunnel insulating layer 351 is formed in the gap 35.

  Therefore, in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the contact between the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 and the source side columnar semiconductor layer 26 is obtained, and the influence of the hydrofluoric acid treatment is exerted. The tunnel insulating layer 351, the charge storage layer 36, and the block insulating layer 37 can be formed with predetermined thicknesses, such as charge traps for other materials generated by other manufacturing methods. A decrease in reliability can be suppressed.

[Third Embodiment]
(Specific Configuration of Memory String MS According to Third Embodiment)
Next, a specific configuration of the memory string MS of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the memory string MS according to the third embodiment includes a memory transistor layer 30B and a drain side select transistor layer 40A which are different from those in the first and second embodiments. Note that in the third embodiment, identical symbols are assigned to configurations similar to those in the first and second embodiments and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the memory transistor layer 30B according to the third embodiment, the upper part of the space formed by the gap 35 is sealed above the memory transistor layer 30B and between the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 and the charge storage layer 36. Further, a sealing insulating layer 38a is formed. The sealing insulating layer 38 a is formed so that its upper surface is below the upper surface of the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34. A sealing semiconductor layer 38b extending from the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 is further formed on the sealing insulating layer 38a.

  In the drain side select transistor layer 40 </ b> A according to the third embodiment, the drain side gate insulating layer 46 is not formed in the drain side hole 45. That is, a gap 45 a is formed between the side wall (drain side conductive layer 42) of the drain side hole 45 and the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47. In other words, the drain side conductive layer 42 is formed from the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 through the gap 45a.

  Further, in the drain side select transistor layer 40A according to the third embodiment, the isolation insulating layer 44 is not formed on the drain side second insulating layer 43, and instead, the upper part of the gap 45a is filled. A sealing insulating layer 48 is formed. The sealing insulating layer 48 has a protruding portion 48 a that protrudes from below to the upper portion of the gap 45 a and a plug hole 48 b that is formed at a position aligned with the upper portion of the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47. A plug conductive layer 49 is formed in the plug hole 48b. A bit line conductive layer 50 is formed on the upper surface of the plug conductive layer 49. The sealing insulating layer 48 is made of silicon nitride, and the plug conductive layer 49 is made of tungsten (W). Further, the plug conductive layer 49 may be configured to have a barrier metal layer such as Ti / TiN on the upper part thereof.

(Manufacturing process of memory strings MS according to the third embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 20, a manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the third embodiment will be described. 13 to 20 omit a part of the first to fifth inter-wordline insulating layers 31a to 31e and the first to fourth wordline conductive layers 32a to 32d.

  First, in the manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the third embodiment, the same processing is performed up to the process shown in FIG. 9 of the manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the first embodiment. Subsequent to the step of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 13, polysilicon and silicon oxide are sequentially stacked on the drain-side first insulating layer 41 to form a drain-side conductive layer 42 and a drain-side second insulating layer. 43 is formed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14, the drain side second insulating layer 43, the drain side conductive layer 42, and the drain side first insulating layer 41 are penetrated to form a drain side hole 45. In this step, the drain-side first insulating layer 41 left in the upper part of the gap 35 becomes the sealing insulating layer 38a.

  Next, after depositing silicon germanium (for example, 5 nm) to form the sacrificial layer 51, the sacrificial layer 51 on the upper surface of the bottom of the drain side hole 45 and the upper surface of the drain side second insulating layer 43 is removed by RIE. The state shown in FIG. 15 is assumed. Further, the natural oxide film formed on the upper surface of the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 exposed at the bottom surface of the drain side hole 45 is removed by hydrofluoric acid treatment.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16, polysilicon is deposited in the drain side hole 45 so as to be in contact with the sacrificial layer 51, and the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 is formed in the drain side hole 45. In this step, the polysilicon deposited on the upper portion of the sealing insulating layer 38a becomes the sealing semiconductor layer 38b.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17, the sacrificial layer 51 is removed by selective etching to form a hollow cylindrical void (trench) 45a. Since the sacrificial layer 51 is silicon germanium, for example, selective etching is performed in a ClF ₃ vapor atmosphere.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, a silicon oxide film is formed by a process with poor embedding characteristics (coverage) (for example, plasma CVD or the like). By this process with poor filling characteristics (coverage), the sealing insulating layer 48 is formed so as to seal the upper opening of the gap 45a without filling the gap 45a with the silicon oxide film. Note that a protruding portion 48a of the sealing insulating layer 48 is formed above the gap 45a.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 19, the sealing insulating layer 48 is penetrated at a position aligned with the upper portion of the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47, and a plug hole 48b is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20, a tungsten layer is deposited in the plug hole 48 b to form a plug conductive layer 49. After the step shown in FIG. 20, the bit line conductive layer 50 is formed on the plug conductive layer 49, and the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device similar to that in FIG. 12 is manufactured.

  Since the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the third embodiment has the gap 35, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the third embodiment, the gap 45a is provided between the drain columnar semiconductor layer 47 and the drain-side first insulating layer 41, the drain-side conductive layer 42, and the drain-side second insulating layer 43. It is what has. The air gap 45a has a predetermined dielectric constant and has the same function as a so-called drain-side gate insulating layer.

  Accordingly, the hydrofluoric acid treatment is performed in a state where the drain-side first insulating layer 41, the drain-side conductive layer 42, and the drain-side second insulating layer 43 are protected by the sacrificial layer 51. Then, after the drain columnar semiconductor 47 is formed, the sacrificial layer 51 is removed to form a gap 45a. That is, in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 and the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 are in contact with each other and are not affected by the hydrofluoric acid treatment, and have a void (having the same function as the gate insulating layer). It is possible to form 45a with a predetermined thickness set in advance, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in reliability such as a charge trap to another material caused by another manufacturing method.

[Fourth Embodiment]
(Specific Configuration of Memory String MS According to Fourth Embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B, a specific configuration of the memory string MS of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional structure diagram of one memory string MS in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of FIG. 21A. As shown in FIG. 21A, the memory string MS according to the fourth embodiment has a drain-side selection transistor layer 40B different from the third embodiment. Note that in the fourth embodiment, identical symbols are assigned to configurations similar to those in the first through third embodiments and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, in the drain side select transistor layer 40B of the memory string MS according to the fourth embodiment, a drain side gate insulating layer 451 is formed in the gap 45a. The drain side gate insulating layer 451 is formed of silicon oxide. As shown in FIG. 21B, the drain-side gate insulating layer 451 includes a sidewall of the first drain-side insulating layer 41, a sidewall of the drain-side conductive layer 42, a sidewall of the second drain-side insulating layer 43, an upper portion of the charge storage layer 36, The drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 is formed so as to cover the side wall, and has a gap 452. The drain-side gate insulating layer 451 may be formed so as to fill the gap 452 and have a seam from the upper end to the bottom. Further, unlike the third embodiment, the protruding portion 48 a of the sealing insulating layer 48 is not formed on the drain side gate insulating layer 451.

  In other words, the drain-side gate insulating layer 451 is formed in contact with the drain-side columnar semiconductor layer 47, and the drain-side conductive layer 42 is formed in contact with the drain-side gate insulating layer 451. Has been.

(Manufacturing Process of Memory String MS according to Fourth Embodiment)
Next, a manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the manufacturing process of the memory string MS according to the fourth embodiment, first, the same processes as those in FIGS. 13 to 17 of the third embodiment are performed. Subsequent to the step shown in FIG. 17, a step of forming a silicon oxide film is performed by a process having good embedding characteristics (coverage) (for example, LPCVD). By this step, the drain side gate insulating layer 451 is formed in the gap 45a.

  Then, after the drain side gate insulating layer 451 is formed, the same processes as in FIGS. 18 to 20 of the third embodiment are performed, and the non-volatile semiconductor memory device similar to that of FIG. 21A is manufactured.

(Effects of Nonvolatile Semiconductor Memory Device According to Fourth Embodiment)
The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the fourth embodiment has the same effect as that of the first embodiment because it has the gap 35a.

  Further, in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the fourth embodiment, the gap 45a is provided between the drain columnar semiconductor layer 47 and the drain-side first insulating layer 41, the drain-side conductive layer 42, and the drain-side second insulating layer 43. It is manufactured in the step of forming the drain side gate insulating layer 451 therein.

  Therefore, hydrofluoric acid treatment is performed before the drain-side gate insulating layer 451 is formed. That is, in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to the fourth embodiment, the drain side columnar semiconductor layer 47 and the memory columnar semiconductor layer 34 are in contact with each other, and the drain side gate insulating layer 451 has a predetermined thickness set in advance. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in reliability such as a charge trap to another material caused by another manufacturing method.

  Although one embodiment of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Is possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the drain-side selection transistor layer 40A has the gap 45a. However, the source-side selection transistor layer also includes the source-side columnar semiconductor layer 26, the source-side first insulating layer 21, and the source-side selection transistor layer 40A. It is good also as a structure which has a space | gap between the conductive layer 22 and the source side 2nd insulating layer 23. FIG.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the drain side select transistor layer 40B has the drain side gate insulating layer 451 in the gap 45a. However, the source side select transistor layer also includes the source side columnar semiconductor layer 26, A gap may be formed between the source-side first insulating layer 21, the source-side conductive layer 22, and the source-side second insulating layer 23, and the source-side gate insulating layer may be provided in the gap.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the selective etching is performed in the ClF ₃ vapor atmosphere using the sacrificial layers 39 and 51 made of silicon germanium. However, the hot layer is made using the sacrificial layer made of a silicon nitride layer. The structure may be such that etching is performed with phosphoric acid.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a partial schematic perspective view of a memory transistor region 12 of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of one memory string MS in the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional structure diagram of one memory string MS in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a first manufacturing process sectional view of the memory strings MS according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first manufacturing process sectional view of the memory strings MS according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first manufacturing process sectional view of the memory strings MS according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first manufacturing process sectional view of the memory strings MS according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first manufacturing process sectional view of the memory strings MS according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first manufacturing process sectional view of the memory strings MS according to the first embodiment. It is a cross-section figure of one memory string MS in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of FIG. 11A. It is a cross-section figure of one memory string MS in a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a manufacturing process sectional view of memory strings MS concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is sectional structure drawing of one memory string MS in 4th Embodiment. It is an enlarged view of FIG. 21A.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, 12 ... Memory transistor area | region, 13 ... Word line drive circuit, 14 ... Source side selection gate line drive circuit, 15 ... Drain side selection gate line drive circuit, 16 ... Sense amplifier, 20 ... Source side Select transistor layer, 30, 30A, 30B ... Memory transistor layer, 40, 40A, 40B ... Drain side select transistor layer, 21 ... Source side first insulating layer, 22 ... Source side conductive layer, 23 ... Source side second insulating layer 24 ... source side hole, 25 ... source side gate insulating layer, 26 ... source side columnar semiconductor layer, 31a to 31e ... first to fifth inter-word line insulating layers, 32a to 32d ... first to fourth word line conductive. Layer, 33 ... memory hole, 34 ... memory columnar semiconductor layer, 35 ... gap, 351 ... tunnel insulating layer, 36 ... charge storage layer, 37 ... block insulation , 352, 452 ... seam, 39, 51 ... sacrificial layer, 41 ... drain side first insulating layer, 42 ... drain side conductive layer, 43 ... drain side second insulating layer, 44 ... isolation insulating layer, 45 ... drain side hole. 45a ... void, 46, 451 ... drain side gate insulating layer, 47 ... drain side columnar semiconductor layer, 48 ... sealing insulating layer, 49 ... plug conductive layer, 50 ... bit line conductive layer, Ba ... semiconductor substrate, CLmn ... Columnar semiconductors, MTr1-MTr4 ... memory transistors, SSTrmn ... source side selection transistors, SDTrmn ... drain side selection transistors.

Claims (5)

A non-volatile semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory strings in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series,
The memory strings are
A first columnar semiconductor layer extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate;
A charge storage layer that is formed from the first columnar semiconductor layer via a gap and stores charge;
A block insulating layer in contact with the charge storage layer;
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprising: a plurality of first conductive layers in contact with the block insulating layer. A select gate transistor for controlling whether or not to conduct current to the memory string;
The selection gate transistor is
A second columnar semiconductor layer extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate formed in contact with the upper surface or the lower surface of the memory columnar semiconductor;
The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second conductive layer formed from the second columnar semiconductor layer through a gap. A non-volatile semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory strings in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series,
The memory strings are
A first columnar semiconductor layer extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate;
A tunnel insulating layer in contact with the first columnar semiconductor layer;
A charge storage layer in contact with the tunnel insulating layer and storing charges;
A block insulating layer in contact with the charge storage layer;
A plurality of first conductive layers in contact with the block insulating layer,
The tunnel insulating layer has an air gap or a seam. A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory strings in which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series,
Alternately laminating interlayer insulating layers and conductor layers;
Forming a hole through the interlayer insulating layer and the conductor layer; and
Forming a first insulating layer, a charge storage layer, a sacrificial layer, and a columnar semiconductor layer sequentially from the side surface of the hole;
Removing the sacrificial layer and forming a gap between the columnar semiconductor layer and the charge storage layer. A method for manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, comprising: The method for manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor device according to claim 4, further comprising: forming a second insulating layer in the gap.

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